THE United Nations has urged an independent investigation following the death of Tapfumanei Masaya, an opposition activist in Zimbabwe, whose body was discovered after he was abducted ahead of contentious by-elections.
Masaya, a pastor and a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was found dead 30 kilometres outside Harare, the UN rights office reported. He and fellow activist Jeffrey Kalosi were abducted by armed men while campaigning for a CCC candidate in broad daylight. Reports revealed that both activists were subjected to torture; Kalosi was later released in the same area where Masaya’s body was discovered.
The UN rights office spokeswoman, Liz Throssell, emphasised the need for a comprehensive, swift, and impartial investigation into Masaya’s death and all reported incidents of abductions and violence
against CCC supporters. She underscored the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable in fair trials adhering to due process.
Highlighting the broader implications, Throssell stressed that such crimes violate fundamental rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, association, and the right to participate equally in the democratic process.
The death of Masaya is part of a series of reported abductions and violent acts following disputed general elections in August, where CCC leader Nelson Chamisa faced defeat against incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa. International observers had previously criticised the elections for not meeting democratic standards.
The recent controversies and parliamentary recalls affecting CCC lawmakers have led to upcoming by-elections scheduled for December 9. These elections could potentially strengthen the ruling ZANU-PF party’s hold in parliament, potentially leading to constitutional amendments.
Observers fear that a two-thirds m
ajority could enable ZANU-PF to alter presidential term limits, extending Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the two-term limit. Mnangagwa ascended to power after a coup ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017.
